Registration and Morning Coffee

Crisis Communications in the Age of AI
In a world where crises can unfold and escalate in real time, AI has become a game-changer for crisis communications, providing organizations with the tools needed to respond faster and with greater precision. Join Chris Gee, CEO of Chris Gee Consulting, as he explores how AI is transforming crisis management. This session will delve into cutting-edge AI applications, from real-time sentiment analysis to predictive modeling, which empower teams to anticipate issues, enable proactive responses, and protect brand reputation. Through impactful case studies and best practices, Chris will share how to leverage AI-driven insights and strategies to navigate today’s high-stakes communication challenges confidently.
Chris Gee, CEO, Chris Gee Consulting

AI-Driven Mis/Disinformation and Deepfakes: Adapting Crisis Communication Strategies in a Changing Landscape
The rise of AI-driven misinformation, disinformation, and deepfake technology has revolutionized the crisis communications landscape, bringing new and complex challenges. This session explores how these advanced tools are reshaping crisis scenarios, with an emphasis on the risks they pose to brand reputation, public trust, and crisis response timelines. Attendees will gain insight into the tactics bad actors use, the psychological effects of AI-enhanced content, and the rapid spread of false information. Ryan will share actionable strategies for early detection, verification, and rapid response, as well as best practices for crisis communicators to stay ahead of AI-fueled crises. From implementing monitoring tools to developing preemptive response frameworks, this session provides critical resources to navigate and mitigate the impact of AI-generated threats.
Ryan Brack, Co-Founder & CPO, Stealth (Former Privacy Public Affairs Communications, Meta)

Building a Resilient Communications Culture: Strategies for Preparedness in Emergencies and Crises
In an era of permacrisis—where organizations face constant and overlapping disruptions—the strength of your communications strategy can be the deciding factor between resilience and chaos. Join Luisa Rapport as she reveals actionable strategies to cultivate a culture of readiness that empowers your team in both day-to-day operations and during critical incidents.
You will gain practical insights into embedding preparedness into organizational culture, ensuring your communication team can swiftly and confidently navigate any emergency or crisis. From developing agile response frameworks to fostering a mindset of continuous vigilance, this session will equip you with the tools to lead effectively and build a communication function that thrives under pressure.
Luisa Rapport, Director, Media Relations, Stanford University

Every Word Matters: A Historical Look at Crisis Communications Through a Geopolitical Lens
Crisis communications has evolved into a vital tool for managing global events, but its roots are deeply embedded in the geopolitical shifts of the past. This session provides a historical analysis of how crisis communication strategies have adapted over time, shaped by wars, revolutions, and moments of societal upheaval. Attendees will explore key turning points where presidential communication tactics changed the course of history.  The session will highlight critical lessons learned, the mistakes that redefined best practices, and how these insights inform the future of crisis preparedness. By examining the past, participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to craft more effective, agile, and context-aware crisis communication strategies for an increasingly interconnected world.
Barbara M. Agrait, MPA, Senior Pubic Relations Manager, Amazon

Lunch for Speakers and Delegates

Beyond the Headlines: A Look Inside Dairy’s Coordinated Bird Flu Response
In moments of uncertainty, proven crisis procedures aren’t just a safeguard – they’re a testament to the strength, integrity and leadership of an organization. Effective crisis communication and response can mean the diffrence between maintaining public trust and facing lasting reputational damage, underscoring the essential role of preparation. This session will examine the multidimensional crisis strategy undertaken by the dairy industry when bird flu emerged as a potential threat in March 2024. As the situation unfolded, the industry enacted well-established and tested protocols, working collaboratively with a broad network of stakeholders to support dairy farmers, mitigate potential threats, and communicate often and transparently. Join this session to learn how a unified, all-hands-in approach with clear roles and responsibilities enabled swift and nimble action, consistent message delivery and ultimately, sustained consumer confidence in dairy foods and beverages.
Caroline Krajewski, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, Dairy Management Inc.

Internal Communications During Crisis: Maintaining Transparent and Effective Internal Communications During Challenging Times
During a crisis, clear and transparent internal communication is essential for maintaining trust and ensuring that all team members are aligned. This session will explore the best practices for delivering timely and consistent messages to employees, managing internal concerns, and fostering a supportive environment. Learn how to keep your workforce informed and engaged, while minimizing confusion and misinformation, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Tamarra Thal, Global Internal Communications Lead at IBM

Restoring Credibility: How USA Gymnastics Reclaimed Trust After Crisis
In the wake of one of the most challenging crises in sports history, USA Gymnastics has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation and restore trust with athletes, fans, and the public. Join Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, as she shares an inside look at the organization’s recovery journey. This session will explore the strategies, key decisions, and obstacles USA Gymnastics faced in its efforts to rebuild trust, increase transparency, and re-establish confidence among its stakeholders.
Jill Geer, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, USA Gymnastics

Communicating on Sensitive Topics: Effective Ways to Handle Delicate Issues
Navigating sensitive topics in communications demands a blend of precision, empathy, and strategic messaging. In this session, participants will learn essential techniques for managing complex and potentially controversial topics, from health crises to social issues and organizational challenges. This session will delve into frameworks for maintaining trust and transparency while addressing stakeholders' concerns, with insights on tailoring messages to different audiences and controlling the narrative in highly polarized environments. Fraser will illustrate how to balance authenticity with caution, ensuring that sensitive issues are handled respectfully, ethically, and effectively.
Fraser Engerman, Senior Director of External Relations, Walgreens

Networking and Refreshment Break

Mini Workshop with United Airlines: Top Skills and Best Practices for Crisis Communicators
Join United Airlines’ Global Response Team for an immersive mini-workshop designed to equip crisis communicators with the essential skills needed to navigate today’s complex crisis landscape. This session will delve into the top capabilities every crisis professional needs like anticipating and preparing for issues, quick decision-making skills and monitor and sustain tactics. Attendees will walk through real-life scenarios that United Airlines encountered over the last year including crises around safety, DEI and customer experience and will have the opportunity to engage in interactive exercises that bring these skills to life, providing practical takeaways for real-world application.
Learn how inclusive crisis strategies not only protect reputations but also resonate authentically and support an organizational culture of trust even in turbulent times. This extended session offers communicators the tools to respond to crises with both skill and integrity, fostering a resilient and inclusive approach to reputation management.
Josh Freed, Director of Global Response Communications, United Airlines
Charlie Hobart, Senior Manager - Global Response Communications, United Airlines
Carly Pietrzak, Senior Manager, Social Media Intelligence, United Airlines
David Gonzalez, Senior Manager, Media Relations, United Airlines

End of Day One